U.S. Steel and Google Cloud announced a new collaboration to build applications using Google Cloud’s generative artificial intelligence technology to drive efficiencies and improve employee experiences in iron ore mines in North America.

The first generative AI-driven application that U. S. Steel will launch is called MineMind, which aims to simplify equipment maintenance by providing optimal solutions for mechanical problems, saving time and money and ultimately improving productivity. Underpinned by Google Cloud AI technology like Document AI and Vertex AI, MineMind is expected to improve the maintenance experience by providing information more easily while saving costs from more efficient use of technicians’ time and better maintained trucks. The initial phase of the launch will begin in September and will impact more than 60 haul trucks at U. S. Steel’s Minnesota ore operations facilities, Minntac and Keetac.

When fully operational, MineMind will allow a U. S. Steel technician to reduce the amount of time to complete a work order by an estimated 20%. For example, the application will assist maintenance crews by guiding them through truck repairs, ordering parts and distilling complex information. The application also will provide verified source information to ensure accuracy.

“We’ve meaningfully accelerated digitization at U. S. Steel through our work with Google Cloud. Faster repair times, less down time and more satisfying work for our techs are only some of the many benefits we expect with generative AI,” David Burritt, president and CEO of U. S. Steel, said. “I’m thrilled that the U. S. Steel team is a manufacturing leader in this work.”

“U. S. Steel is at the forefront of the generative AI adoption cycle,” Michael Clark, vice president for Google Cloud in North America, said. “Our innovative work with U. S. Steel to power operational and functional innovation with our advanced generative AI technology has the potential to not only transform manufacturing but adjacent industries, from trends and logistics to supply chain, sustainability, process automation and more.”